PCGNY.net | Filipinos In Mainstream Media Meet At Reception Hosted By Consul General

FILIPINOS IN MAINSTREAM MEDIA MEET AT RECEPTION HOSTED BY CONSUL GENERAL

PHILIPPINE CONSULATE - NEWS RELEASE
18 March 2005

New York, New York --- On March 16th 2005, Filipino and Filipino American professionals in New York Media gathered at a cocktail reception hosted by Consul General Cecilia B. Rebong, with guest of honor Philippine Ambassador to the United States, Albert F. Del Rosario at the Kalayaan Hall of the Philippine Center in Manhattan.

The Consulate General found over 50 Filipinos and Filipino Americans in such prestigious media outlets as CNN, Reuters, Associated Press, ABC-7, CBS-2, Bloomberg TV, MTV, CNBC, Time Magazine, Newsweek, Businessweek, New York Times, Newsday, Barron’s, People Magazine, Fortune Magazine, Rolling Stone Magazine, Oprah Magazine, Elle Décor, Village Voice, Fairchild Publications and Conde Nast. The accomplished media practitioners were joined by diplomats from the Philippine Embassy in Washington DC, the Philippine Consulate General in New York, the Offices of the Trade and Tourism Representatives, and the Philippine Mission to the United Nations. Editors of Filipino American media and selected community leaders also attended the intimate celebration

In her opening remarks, the Consul General welcomed the Filipino American journalists guests to the Philippine Center. “We started with a handful of names. But through research and references, we learned that there are many Filipinos behind some of the largest media outlets in the world. We are elated to see all of you here tonight.”

Consul General Rebong said that the good number of Filipino Americans who are connected with the prestigious media outlets is yet another proof that Filipino professionals in the United States excel even in highly competitive fields as the American media.

Ambassador Del Rosario later briefed the audience on key developments in Philippine bilateral relations with the United States. “Our discussions with the media guests were congenial and constructive,” the Ambassador said in a post-event letter to Consul General Rebong. He also asked the Consul General to consider having a similar event next year.

Trade Representative Eugene Reyes and Tourism Representative Emma Ruth Yulo-Kitiyakara gave short presentations on the Philippines’ trade/investment and tourism initiatives

“One objective of the gathering was to connect the Filipino media practitioners with their motherland, and I am happy to know that they appreciated it.” Consul General Rebong further explained.

ABC-TV production assistant Monica dela Rosa said, “It was such a great event. I was happy to meet my fellow Filipinos in the industry and to see the Kalayaan Hall of the Philippine Center for the very first time.” Lenn Almadin -Thornhill of The Filipino Channel quipped, “This reception is a terrific idea. I hope we can have it more often.”

.Two leading Filipino Broadway performers Julie Danao and Rona Figueroa wowed the guests with their grand voices in between the presentations. Julie Danao will be playing the role of Yoko Ono, in the Broadway play “Lennon,” which premieres on Broadway in July. Rona Figueroa played Kim in Miss Saigon and Eponine in “Les Miserables” on Broadway and on tour.

Philippine Consul General in New York Cecilia B. Rebong, Permanent Representative to the United Nations Lauro L. Baja, Jr., Philippine Ambassador to the United States Albert F. Del Rosario, and Mr. Howard Chua-Eoan, News Director at Time Magazine.

Consul General Rebong and Ms. Joanne De Asis, Chair of Globe Capital Partners, pose with John Dioso, Assistant Managing Editor at Rolling Stone Magazine, Ms. Chris Gajilan, Medical Producer at CNN and Cindy del Rosari- Tapan, Associate Editor at “O” Oprah Magazine.

Nina Pineda, reporter at ABC-TV News interviews Consul General Rebong and Ambassador del Rosario.

Mr. Gene Ramos, Correspondent at Reuters America, Inc. and Ms. Azon Juan, Segment Producer at MTV speak with Ambassador Del Rosario and Consul General Rebong.

Consul General Rebong and MTV Segment Producer pose with (from left), Gerard Cagayat, Michelle Carvajal and Will Chang , Senior Recruiter, of Associated Press.

Filipina TV News Reporter Nina Pineda and Consul General Rebong.

Guests at the cocktail reception for Filipino Americans in New York Media on March 16th.

Julie Danao, who starred in Aida, Rent and Miss Saigon, poses with Consul General Rebong and Ms. Joanne de Asis after performing for the guests.